Ask the Expert - Bryan on Scouting

Why are Scouts and Venturers required to wear helmets when rock climbing?

April 12, 2018 3

I was surprised to learn the reason why we wear helmets when rock climbing goes beyond merely cushioning your cranium in a fall.

This is why Northern Tier absolutely forbids waterproof boots on its canoeing treks

November 9, 2017 34

While Northern Tier participants must wear rugged boots with ankle coverage, the boots must be able to drain. In other words, they must not be waterproof.

Does the National Jamboree count toward a National Outdoor Award?

August 11, 2017 15

Does attendance and participation at the 2017 National Jamboree meet requirement 3G of the National Outdoor Award for Adventure?

Can a Scout complete his Eagle board of review after 18?

April 17, 2017 18

A Scout has completed all the requirement for the Eagle rank, except one: the Eagle Scout board of review. Then he turns 18. Is it too late to earn Eagle?

Can Scouts drive themselves to and from events?

April 4, 2017 91

Is it OK for Scouts to drive themselves and others to meetings, weekend campouts, unit activities, area/regional/national events and more?

Summer months count toward Scout advancement, whether a troop meets or not

September 21, 2016 11

A Scout who is registered and has not been removed from his unit because of disciplinary reasons should not be penalized because his unit is inactive.

How to hold one-on-one Scouting conversations while following Youth Protection guidelines

September 21, 2016 15

A Scoutmaster conference or Eagle project discussion work best as a one-on-one conversation. That raises questions of Youth Protection.

Can packs, troops, teams or crews participate in political rallies?

July 22, 2016 73

The BSA might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But we don’t endorse any party. Here’s the policy on participation in political rallies.

Youth Protection and texting with Scouts

June 15, 2016 27

Today’s Scouts prefer to text. How does the Youth Protection rule prohibiting one-on-one contact apply to texting with Scouts? We asked the expert.

Can a volunteer serve in multiple positions within a unit?

April 29, 2016 90

Can a volunteer serve in multiple positions within a unit? Can, for example, an assistant Scoutmaster also be on the unit committee? We asked the expert.